KIRKUS REVIEW

Someday your princess will come—and
she’ll be rocking a mohawk-mullet, wearing a jaunty tunic complete with
epaulets and cravat, and riding a disdainful pink unicorn.

Trapped in a tower, “big-boned” Princess
Sadie, a white girl with long blonde hair, is tired of fending off unsolicited
rescue attempts by princes. But when dapper, dark-skinned Princess Amira and
her unicorn arrive, Sadie overcomes the inner fears and self-doubts that had imprisoned
her psyche as thoroughly as the tower had her body. The two embark on
adventures that include coming to the aid of an embarrassed prince,
sweet-talking a sadly misunderstood ogre, and confronting Sadie’s wicked older
sister. The princesses’ affection for each other deepens with every
challenge—and every round of snappy banter—and when wedding bells ring, they’re
for a couple who truly know and have freely chosen one another. O’Neill
delivers an alternative fairy tale that challenges conventions with every twist
of the plot but doesn’t veer into heavy-handed preachiness that pulls readers
out of the story. The bright illustrations, clear layout, and easy-to-read type
make this an inviting read.

Combine a cuddly purple dragon, much
sharing of cookies, abundant humor, and two distinct and appealing heroines,
and you have a royal winner. (Graphic fantasy. 8-13)

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